The Miracle of the Star

Posted by The Knoxville Journal on December 14th, 2012

Christmas really is a special time of year. Our children got the opportunity to ride on Santa’s float in a local parade this past weekend. All along the parade route I watched people’s eyes light up when they saw Santa coming. The great thing about this was that it didn’t matter how old they were. Santa put a smile on everyone’s face, young and old alike. There is just something about Santa that seems to make everyone feel better.

I got to thinking if this happens when people see Santa, what would happen if we could get them to see Jesus? What would happen if we as Christians would share our faith a little more? What would happen if we would express a little more peace and good-will towards others? What would happen if we would encourage, uplift, and reach out to those in need? What happens when we share the hope we find in Jesus Christ? When we give people hope in Jesus, we are setting the stage for miracles. Jesus said that if we could only believe, all things would be possible. Christmas is a time for miracles.

If we look at the story found in the scriptures of Matthew 2:1-12, we read about the very first Christmas. The scriptures tell the story of the coming of the wise men to worship the baby Jesus. They were led by a star. This star is nothing short of a miracle. I want us to look at the miracle of the star.

As we look through those 12 scriptures we find Matthew mentions the star four times. Matthew stresses that God was at work through this sign that is found in the heavens. The birth of Jesus was announced and accompanied by an astronomical sign.Matthew 2:2, “Saying, where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.” I want us to notice that the wise men asked about His star, they didn’t just asked about any star, but His star. The star confirms the prophecy found in Numbers 24:17, “I shall see Him, but not now; I shall behold Him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of the Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.”

There is something special about this star. The word “star” found in this scripture means “of the Messiah, offspring, descendants or children, God’s omniscience.” The word sceptre means rod or staff, mark of authority. When we look at its true meaning we see that His star contained a message for the world. In His Star, God was saying we have been separated from Him long enough, sin has kept us apart too long, Your enemies have oppressed you long enough. In His Star, God was telling us, I have sent my Offspring, the Messiah has arrived, heaven has touched earth, He comes on My authority, and He will defeat all your enemies (sin, death, hell, and the grave). In His Star God was saying, rejoice today, for I have given you hope. The very first Christmas contained the miracle of hope. We will pick up here next week. Until then be blessed and be a blessing.